While not trying to sound alarmist, I would emphasize keeping well clear, like 20 feet or more from any train. Steel banding is just as much a problem as it ever was, and there are other things as well, like IBCs and dunnage. Dunnage being lumber used to seperate or supports loads, usually rough-cut oak of the 2x4 and larger size. Much of that is just left loose on the deck of the cars and easily rattles off along the way.

IBCs are those devices that lock the top container to the bottom container at each corner. There are pockets on the well cars for storage of these when single loaded or empty, but I see these things frequently along the right of way. They were probably improperly stowed and eventually fell off enroute. They are about the size of a large grapefruit and weigh about 8-10 pounds, and would probaly kill or seriously injure anyone nearby if they fell off at track speed.

Interestingly, I also have found many pieces of dining car china over the territory, but I hope I won't have to be concerned with getting hit by anything marked Syracuse any time soon!